The Varangians eventually assimilate into the Slavic population and become part of the first Rus' dynasty, the Rurik Dynasty.

Kievan Rus' is composed of several principalities ruled by the interrelated Rurikid knyazes ("princes").

The Golden Age of Kievan Rus' begins with the reign of Vladimir the Great (980–1015), who turns Rus' toward Byzantine Christianity.

During the reign of his son, Yaroslav the Wise (1019–1054), Kievan Rus' reaches the zenith of its cultural development and military power.

The state soon fragments as the relative importance of regional powers rises again.